Chances are even if you are a strumming prodigy, you can never get enough strumming patterns to add to your instrumental toolbox. In these free online guitar lessons from Vicki Genfan’s a href=”https://truefire.com/acoustic-guitar-lessons/30-strumming-patterns/c3″ >30 Strumming Patterns you MUST know, Vicki performs practical applications of various strumming patterns then breaks it down rhythmically in an accessible manner for any level of player. Everything is tabbed and notated, all you have to do is get started with these free snippets.
Strumming Pattern #8: Folk Hip
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I’m using a D-A-C-G progression. This pattern has a cool hip hop, laid back feel and can easily be used in folk, rock, or pop. Notice if you are anchoring your right hand in order to have more control in hitting the single bass notes. Whether you are or not, just take the time to practice slowly so you can gain accuracy without adding any extra tension in your right hand.
Practice changing chords just a bit early in order to get to the next chord in time. In this pattern that means the last eighth note in the measure may be played more like a chicken scratch than actual notes.
Strumming Pattern #20: Pop R&B
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This pattern is based on the funky R&B pattern we’ve done, but I’ve added a bass line. I’m using the same chords as before, C#m-G#m7-Bm-F#m7. Once you get it down, see if you can come up with your own ideas for making that bass line move and connect chords. I’ve used 8th notes, but try some 16th note lines and hammer ons. It’s particularly funky when those bass notes are a bit muted with the right hand palm.
Strumming Pattern #21: Udu Hip
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I’m using D-A-C-G. This pattern has a great bouncy, contemporary feel. Try it with some of your favorite progressions. You can play it without any right or left hand muting and you’ll get a much fuller sound. If you try some muting it will tighten up the sound and give it more of a choppy feel.
Strumming Pattern #24: Jazzy Pop
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I’m using EMaj9 – BminorSus4. They’re both moveable chord forms, but make sure you mute the high and low E strings if they don’t fit with the chord. In both versions, make sure you use left hand muting. Make sure you watch the palm mute with my right hand on beats 2 and 4. Try this pattern with all kinds of songs – pop, folk, soft rock or any style you want!
Strumming Pattern #29: Driving Quarters
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We’re using solid quarter note hits on beats 1, 2 and 3 and then bringing in an arpeggiated picking on the top 3 strings for the rest of the measure using your fingers. Use your left hand muting for this one to make those first 3 beats tight and well articulated. With practice, this will become more natural – it’s great to have the ability to use your fingers separately while also holding the pick!
Dig these strumming patterns? Download Vicki Genfan’s 30 Strumming Patterns You MUST Know for much more including tab, notation, and jam tracks!